Race Results from World Superbike Race 1 at Assen, The Netherlands
Rainy conditions abound in Assen for the Dutch round of World Superbikes, and the wet weather has already claimed its…
It’s hard to get up-close with the Ducati Desmosedici GP13. For starters, she’s always traveling somewhere — a slave to her jet-setter lifestyle. And, when she finally touches down long enough for you to get a glimpse of her, she’s surrounded by men in red uniforms, who whisk her out of sight almost immediately. Occasionally though, she gets all buttoned-up and makes a public appearance, and if you have the right credentials (not an easy feat in its own right), you can elbow your way in for a look at her scarlet glow. Dodging other bikes, riders, and mechanics in the hot pit lane of the Grand Prix of the Americas, we had such a brief opportunity. We have been up-close with a number of rare machines, but the Desmosedici GP13 stands out even in that prestigious crowd.
The Thursday before the start of the Grand Prix of the Americas, Asphalt & Rubber was part of a quick event put on by Dainese and Ducati Austin, which allowed fans to meet Kevin Schwantz. Before the start of that evening’s meet-and-greet, I got to sit down with the former 500cc World Champion, and pick his brain not only about the current events happening with the Circuit of the Americas, but also about what was occurring on a larger scale within the American road racing scene. It is a bit of a long read, but I think you will enjoy the exchange and perspective he shared during the interview.
Ben Spies will not take part in the Spanish MotoGP round at Jerez, scheduled to take place on May 5th.…